§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many telephone and fax lines are available at the Belfast office of his Department dealing with benefit claims from applicants in London;
(2) what is the average time taken before claimants receive substantive replies to queries from his Department's office in Belfast sent in by (a) fax and (b) telephone;
(3) what is the cost of the system of phone referrals of local calls from London to his Department's office in Belfast for the year 1990–91.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe relocation of benefits work to the social security centre in Belfast is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.